Match Preview: Kent Spitfires vs. Essex Eagles
Kent Spitfires resume the ‘Battle of the Bridge’ against the Essex Eagles as they search for Vitality Blast Quarter Final qualification with just two matches left in the South Group stage.
After a narrow two-run defeat to Middlesex yesterday, Kent need at least one victory to secure their place in the next stage of the competition.
Daniel Bell-Drummond’s knock of 89 dragged the Spitfires back to the verge of victory at The Spitfire Ground, St. Lawrence; but a final-over thriller saw Kent slip to their second defeat of the campaign.
‘DBD”s 358 tournament runs gives the right-hander an average of 51.14, whilst opening partner Zak Crawley, fresh from scoring 108* against Hampshire this past weekend, also averages over 50.
Fred Klaassen has also broken the 10-wicket barrier in this year’s Blast, with a bowling average of 28.10.
Kent’s last T20 meeting against Essex was shown live on Sky Sports from the Kia Oval, and the Spitfires demolished the Eagles after setting the Chelmsford-based side 193 to win. Imran Qayyum’s splendid three for 25 saw the Spitfires triumph by 29 runs and continued their unbeaten first half to the tournament.
Ryan ten Doeschate remains the Eagles’ best run-scorer so far in this year’s Blast with 203 in seven innings, whilst Matt Quinn’s nine wickets at 19.66 is the pick of the visitors’ bowling attack to date this season.
Kent Spitfires welcome back Club Captain Sam Billings after the skipper averaged 37.66 with the bat in seven England white ball appearances in bilateral series against Pakistan and Australia, including scoring his maiden ODI century against Australia at Manchester.
Tim Groenewald is also available for selection again after recovering from a non-COVID related illness.
With spectators not allowed inside The Spitfire Ground, St Lawrence, Kent Cricket and principal partner Shepherd Neame have joined together to bring members and supporters the ‘Kent Spitfires at Home Match Day Pack’.
This includes an enhanced live streaming service, with ball tracking and a multi-camera production using high definition cameras, as well as commentary courtesy of former Kent captain Dave Fulton and ‘The Voice of Kent Cricket’, Steve Watts.
After a successful test during Kent Spitfires’ match against Middlesex, the Club is pleased to confirm that the ‘Battle of the Bridge’ will also be live streamed on our official Facebook page.
The Live Stream for this fixture will be available here from 13:00 onwards on Friday.
The Bishop’s Finger pub in Canterbury will also be showing Kent Spitfires vs. Essex Eagles LIVE via our Live Stream.
Kent Spitfires squad in full – presented by W.W. Martin Ltd.:
Match Previews of Kent’s fixtures in this year’s Vitality Blast are proudly sponsored by FGS Plant Ltd. >>>
